definir Imperfect Conjugation
definir — to define
Use the imperfect of 'definir' for ongoing or habitual past actions like 'I used to define' or 'she was defining'.
definir Imperfect Forms
When to Use the Imperfect
The imperfect tense describes actions that were ongoing, habitual, or repeated in the past, or sets the scene. You might use 'definir' in the imperfect to say 'When I was younger, I used to define my dreams often' or 'He was defining the problem when the phone rang'.
Notes on definir in the Imperfect
Definir is regular in the imperfect indicative. It follows the standard pattern for -ir verbs: yo definía, tú definías, él/ella/usted definía, nosotros definíamos, vosotros definíais, ellos/ellas/ustedes definían.
Example Sentences
Yo definía mi propósito cada mañana.
I used to define my purpose every morning.
yo
¿Tú definías las cosas de esa manera?
Did you used to define things that way?
tú
Ella definía el alcance del proyecto mientras hablábamos.
She was defining the scope of the project while we were talking.
él/ella/usted
Nosotros definíamos nuestros límites claramente.
We used to define our limits clearly.
nosotros
Ellos definían el éxito de forma muy distinta.
They defined success very differently (habitually in the past).
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect for habitual past actions.
Correct: Instead of 'Yo definí mi rol cada día' (completed action each day), use 'Yo definía mi rol cada día' (habitual action).
Why: The imperfect describes ongoing or repeated past actions, while the preterite marks specific, finished events.
Mistake: Confusing 'definía' (yo/él/ella/usted) with 'definías' (tú).
Correct: Ensure correct endings: 'Yo definía', 'Tú definías'.
Why: Subject-verb agreement is essential.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: defino
Use the present of 'definir' for 'I define', 'you define', 'they define' happening now or habitually.
Preterite
yo: definí
Use the preterite of 'definir' for completed actions like 'I defined' or 'she defined'.
Future
yo: definiré
Use the future of 'definir' for 'I will define', 'you will define', 'they will define'.
Conditional
yo: definiría
Use the conditional of 'definir' for 'I would define', 'you would define', 'they would define'.
Present Subjunctive
yo: defina
Use the present subjunctive (defina/defina) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: definiera
Use the imperfect subjunctive (definiera/definiese) for past hypotheticals or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: define
Use the imperative of definir for direct commands like 'define!', 'let's define!'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no definas
Use 'no + present subjunctive' for negative commands like 'don't define!'.